Fluffy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Warm, golden bagels fresh from the oven can turn an ordinary morning into something magical.

These homemade cinnamon sugar bagels bring a sweet twist to your breakfast routine.

Baking these delectable treats fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, chewy bread and sweet, fragrant cinnamon coating.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Dense and rich, these bagels transform a standard breakfast into a delightful culinary experience.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare to savor every delicious moment of creating these mouthwatering breakfast treasures.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Shine Bright

• Simplify Cookie Making: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe breaks down complex steps into easy-to-follow instructions that even novice cookie lovers can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These chewy sugar cookies are guaranteed to be a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, bringing smiles to everyone's faces with their classic sweet flavor.
• Quick Comfort Baking: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cookies offer a quick solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs, making them a go-to recipe for busy home bakers.
• Customizable Delight: Bakers can easily personalize the cookies by experimenting with different sugar coatings or adding mix-ins like sprinkles or chocolate chips to create their unique twist on this classic treat.

What’s Needed for Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

Main Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure and texture for the bagel dough.
• Bread Flour: An optional alternative flour that can enhance the bagel's chewiness and strength.

• Water: The essential liquid that activates the yeast and helps form the dough's consistency.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that adds flavor and helps brown the bagel surface during boiling and baking.

• Active Dry Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates the bagel's signature soft and airy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast during proofing.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in the cinnamon topping for added sweetness and caramelization.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Egg: Creates a golden brown shine and helps the cinnamon sugar topping adhere to the bagel surface.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bagel and helps control yeast fermentation.

• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the bagel's sweet topping.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking during rising and baking processes.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Fresh

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm water in the microwave until it feels like a hot bath. Sprinkle yeast and brown sugar into the water.

Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

Combine flour and salt in a stand mixer with paddle attachment.

Slowly pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.

If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour to make it manageable.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which takes about an hour.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Gently divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

Let the balls rest for 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with non-stick mats or spray with cooking spray.

Step 5: Create Bagel Holes

Poke two fingers through the center of each dough ball to create the classic bagel shape.

Carefully drop each bagel into boiling water. Boil for 45 seconds, flipping once.

Remove with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Whisk an egg in a small bowl.

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the bagels.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through cooking.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color as your signal they’re ready.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Freshly Baked Bagels

Serve warm straight from the oven or let cool.

Spread with cream cheese or enjoy as is. Store in an airtight container.

They’re best within two days, but can be frozen for up to a month.

Tips Before Baking Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

• Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to help yeast bloom correctly without killing it.
• Add flour gradually to achieve a slightly sticky texture that's easy to handle and prevents dry bagels.
• Let dough rest for 5 minutes after shaping to relax gluten and improve bagel texture and taste.
• Keep boiling to 45 seconds per side to create a chewy exterior without making bagels tough.
• Use silicone mats or parchment paper to ensure bagels don't stick and bake evenly without extra oil.

Swaps and Styles for Cinnamon Bagel Lovers

• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bagels: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a nuttier flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bagels: Use a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to create a similar texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Maple Cinnamon Bagels: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract for a rich, alternative sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk instead of water and coconut oil in place of cooking spray to accommodate dairy-free diets.

What Goes Well With Cinnamon Sugar Bagels

• Pair with Sweet Cream Butter: Spread rich, creamy butter across the warm cinnamon sugar bagel for a classic, indulgent breakfast experience that enhances the bagel's sweet and spicy notes.
• Complement with Vanilla Latte: The smooth, creamy vanilla latte perfectly balances the cinnamon's warmth, creating a harmonious morning treat that elevates the bagel's flavor profile.
• Match with Apple Butter Spread: Slather homemade apple butter on the bagel to intensify the cinnamon's depth, adding a fruity, caramelized dimension that feels like autumn in every bite.
• Enjoy with Chai Tea: The spiced chai tea echoes the cinnamon's warmth, providing a sophisticated and comforting beverage that beautifully complements the bagel's sweet and aromatic qualities.

Storing Cinnamon Bagels for Later Snacking

• Seal cooled bagels in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Keep them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Consume within this period for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual bagels in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to one month. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Remove bagels from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick thawing.
• Toast frozen or refrigerated bagels in a toaster or toaster oven for crispy edges. Microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture. Brush with butter or olive oil before reheating for extra flavor.

FAQs

• Why boil bagels before baking?

Boiling creates a chewy, shiny exterior and helps set the crust before baking, which gives bagels their signature texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.

• Can I make these bagels without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Mix ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

The yeast mixture should become frothy and bubbly within 5 minutes. If it doesn’t, your yeast might be old or inactive, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.

Cinnamon Sugar Bagels Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm, homemade Cinnamon Sugar Bagels bring bakery-style comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Sweet cinnamon swirls and golden-brown edges promise a delightful breakfast treat you can savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) very warm water
• 2 packets (14 grams) active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups (440–500 grams) bread flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
• 1 egg

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) cinnamon

Boiling Ingredients:

• Water for boiling

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by dissolving it with warm water (around 110°F) and brown sugar. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for 5 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt in a stand mixer. Gradually incorporate the activated yeast mixture, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Adjust flour if the dough feels excessively sticky.
3. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm location until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 hour.
4. Divide the risen dough into 12 equal portions and shape into round balls. Allow the balls to rest for 5 minutes.
5. Create bagel holes by pressing two fingers through the center of each dough ball.
6. Prepare a boiling water bath with honey. Submerge each bagel for 45 seconds, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
7. Remove boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place on prepared baking sheets lined with Silpat mats or cooking spray.
8. Brush the bagels with beaten egg and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface.
9. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, rotating pans midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
10. Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container and consume within 2 days, or freeze for up to one month.

Notes

• Swap instant yeast for active dry yeast by reducing liquid temperature slightly and increasing proofing time to ensure proper activation.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating chewier and more authentic bagel texture with strong elastic structure.
• Control moisture during mixing by adding flour gradually, preventing overly sticky or dry dough that could compromise final bagel quality.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute wheat flour with cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for improved structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 207 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg